Estrogen deficiency - Renew Wellness

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency, also known as low estrogen levels, occurs when a person's body produces too little of the hormone estrogen or when they cannot properly utilize existing estrogen. This condition is most common in women undergoing perimenopause or menopause, as estrogen levels naturally decline with age. However, estrogen deficiency can occasionally affect younger women and men as well.

Some key signs and symptoms of low estrogen include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness, irritation, or discomfort
• Difficulty becoming aroused or decreased libido
• Mood changes like depression, anxiety, or irritability
• Sleep disruptions or insomnia
• Brain fog, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating
• Joint pain, stiffness, or reduced bone density
• Changes in cholesterol levels or increased heart disease risk

There are a few potential causes behind insufficient estrogen:

• Natural menopause
• Surgical menopause from ovary removal
• Poor diet low in phytoestrogens
• Excess stress causing hormonal imbalance
• Impaired estrogen production due to diseases/disorders

If you're experiencing these estrogen deficiency symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor at Renew Wellness. They can run blood tests to confirm your hormone levels and pinpoint the underlying cause.

Some treatment options may include:

• Hormone replacement therapy with external estrogen
• Vaginal estrogen creams or tablets
• Diet changes to boost phytoestrogen intake
• Stress reduction techniques
• Supplements like black cohosh, red clover, etc.

The risks and benefits of each treatment will depend on your personal health profile. Work closely with a medical professional to develop the right plan to safely and effectively manage low estrogen. Catching and addressing this common deficiency quickly can help minimize short and long term effects on physical and mental health.